This week we will watch a classic Disney movie: Fantasia (1940). The many different stories in this movie can be related back to nature. This film takes the nature out of Nature. The natural elements about Nature are replaced with man-made or man-inspired qualities. Nature is usually chaotic and spontaneous. However, in this film, the natural elements are controlled by the music. The music directs how the elements will act. Such as, the leaves falling and flying around more wildly because the music picked up in tempo and more instruments from the orchestra joined the song. The song is almost a script for Nature to follow. Even the one storyline about Nature and science, the “dinosaurs”, is still scripted by a song Also, Nature its self looks more humanoid. The seeds look like little girls flying through the air in dresses. The elephants and hippopotamuses dance ballet. Then the Greek Gods and Goddesses literally control the role of nature. They are human-like characters who effect the world. So the beautiful randomness of nature is removed and human characteristics are forced upon the flowers, animals, and even day and night.

Photo from Making My Own Worlds.

“The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”, involving Mickey (Walt Disney), is the only parts that does not involve plants, animals, or acts of nature. However, it does include magic, which I would argue is the ultimate removal of nature. Magic is where the expected, or natural expectations, are thwarted and the unexpected occurs. Magic is manipulation of appearances, the same as with the personification of the flowers. This film combines Nature and man in interesting ways which results in the natural, beautiful characteristics of Nature are replaced. Man controls all, literally, in the making and presentation of this movie. An interpretations of “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” relating to the role of American women in the 1940s. William L. Benzon wrote an interesting book analyzing all of the pieces to this beautiful film. Thank you for reading! See you next week!

If you did not know or I have not said, I love Disney!!!! So this week is time for another Disney movie: Dumbo (1941)! In this movie, flying holds the power. Flying characters become tremendously dominant. Because flight literally elevates characters, flying makes different characters more commanding. “Mr. Stork” (Sterling Holloway) brings babies to all the animals in the circus. He has the say in who gets a baby. He even has influence over the clouds. They do not drop anything as long as he is there. In this movie, the elephants try to climb each other. However it greatly helps when one can fly. Elephants were not meant to climb, but fly? Maybe… Elephants on Parade are marching and dancing through the sky. They fly over the intoxicated Dumbo. The crows focus in on flying because Dumbo is found in the trees. How did he get there? They think it is funny because they judge the “big ears” elephant. However, after Timothy Mouse (Edward Brophy) talks to them, they change their tune. They become appreciative instead of judgmental.

Photo from Disney Wiki.

The crows are ultimately the ones who get Dumbo to fly. They give Timothy the idea and “the magic feather”. Without them, Dumbo would not have “open[ed] those ears”. After Dumbo flies without “the magic feather”, he gain tremendous confidence. He is happy to preform and makes national new. He becomes inspiration for the military and others! Flying gives characters an elevated status (no pun intended) in this movie. Those who fly make things happen. Power lies with those who are in the air. Watching this movie, Pink Elephants is one of the best parts! Could this movie be made and supported today? Their are cultural decisions made in this movie which could be offensive in today's culture. If you like this blog, please “like” the Facebook page. I post the blog and the movie’s trailer every week! Let me know what else you want to see! Thanks for reading!

Photo from One Movie Blog. Link includes information about creating this movie.